Honda 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show – Executive Remarks: Discusses Honda's Future

11/20/2013

Tetsuo Iwamura
President and CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Good afternoon everyone and thank you for joining us.

I think the definition of trust … is being asked to walk through a wall of water without getting wet.  And, of course, that wall symbolizes the only by-product from fuel cell electric vehicles … water. 

Los Angeles and this LA Auto Show have been the home to a number of major milestones in the advance of Honda fuel cell electric vehicle technology.  This includes delivering the first fuel cell vehicle to the City of Los Angeles in 2002 … and I was pleased to introduce our stylish FCX Clarity fuel cell sedan right here in 2007. 

Today, we add to this legacy of fuel cell leadership with the introduction of the Honda FCEV Concept.
Our Environmental Vision is expressed as a commitment to realize "the joy and freedom of mobility" … and "a sustainable society where people can enjoy life."   This is not a philosophy.  It is a vision that guides our challenge to use Honda's unique experience in advanced powertrain and electromotive technologies to advance toward an ultra-low-carbon future …  while at the same time, making products that are fun to drive and fun to own.

This commitment is not only for fuel cell electric cars.  About three weeks ago, we introduced the new Accord Hybrid, with refined, fun-to-drive performance and the highest EPA fuel-economy rating of any five-passenger sedan … at 50mpg city.

This Honda two-motor hybrid system is part of the Honda Earth Dreams Technology powertrain lineup … designed to deliver both fun-to-drive performance and fuel efficiency at a very high level. Honda's "portfolio" approach to environmental vehicles includes a diverse lineup … with a growing number of alternative-fuel powertrains … Civic Natural Gas … and advanced electromotive technologies … like the Fit EV battery electric vehicle … the Accord Plug-In Hybrid … and our current fuel cell car, the FCX Clarity.

No automaker has more experience with electromotive technology than Honda.  And we will continue to advance each of these technologies. 

Today, we want to focus on what we believe has the potential to become the ultimate solution to realizing ultra-low carbon mobility … and that is the fuel cell electric vehicle.  Using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, water, biofuel … the fuel cell has tremendous potential for zero-emissions mobility.  In addition, fuel cell vehicles have great potential to offer extended range and performance and the utility that car buyers have grown to expect.  And this technology can be applied across multiple vehicle types.

Over the past two decades, Honda has many achievements in the effort to advance fuel cell electric vehicles.   And we are proud that the FCX Clarity won World Green Car of Year in 2009.  As a leader in this area, we continue to develop fuel cell technology for the future.

We have placed our vehicles in the hands of real customers in the U.S. and Japan … as well as testing in the European region for future expansion.  This approach has helped Honda break through key barriers in the effort to meet the needs of the mass-market.

We have several of our fuel cell customers with us today, including the worlds-first fuel-cell consumer. 

[customers stand] 

I would like to thank all of you for being with us today … and for playing an important role in advancing Honda fuel cell vehicle technology.  Thank you.

Step-by-step we have continued to advance our know-how and innovation for electric motors, batteries and other electric drive technologies.

And we are using this expertise in the effort to develop fuel cell vehicles that are as fun to drive, convenient and affordable as the gasoline and hybrid cars on the road today.

Today, I am pleased to announce that in 2015, Honda will launch its next-generation fuel cell vehicle ... in the U.S. and Japan … and then in Europe.  Today, we want to share our concept model that hints at Honda's future direction for fuel cell electric vehicles.

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm pleased to introduce the world debut … of the Honda F-C-E-V Concept.


[Honda FCEV Concept Reveal ]

With this futuristic styling and aerodynamic form, I think it's easy to understand the basic design principles of this Honda FCEV Concept.

While this is a concept, it points toward the arrival of the next-generation Honda fuel cell car that will come to market in 2015.

We're not offering many detailed specifications of our next gen FC technology today … but the Honda FCEV Concept targets the world's highest power density of the fuel cell stack. That means more than 60 percent improved from the FC stack in FCX Clarity.  It will have a driving range of more than 300 miles … and the ability to refuel in about three minutes.

Like the FCX Clarity, this new FC stack also is designed to perform in both extreme hot and cold temperatures. And we are targeting a significant reduction in cost … addressing another barrier to the commercialization and widespread adoption of fuel cell vehicles.

Perhaps most significant … the new, more compact Honda fuel cell stack is about 33 percent smaller than the size of the stack in FCX Clarity.  This enables the entire powertrain to fit inside the front engine compartment. We believe it will be the world's first mass-produced fuel cell electric vehicle sedan with a complete FC powertrain that fits under the hood.  This new design helps create a more spacious cabin with comfortable seating for five adults. 

This new packaging layout also makes further FCEV applications a possibility in the future.

Earlier this year, we entered into a collaboration with General Motors.  Together, we believe GM and Honda can achieve the world's strongest partnership for fuel cell technology … with an even more compact, lightweight and lower cost fuel cell stack … along with more efficient on-board hydrogen storage. 

We will work jointly with GM on these goals toward the 2020 timeframe.  But we will continue to develop our own future fuel cell electric vehicles … and this FCEV Concept is the stepping stone to our next generation FCEV … coming in 2015.

Now, it's my pleasure to introduce Mike Accavitti, who has more information to share with you today.  Thank you.

 [PAUSE]

Mike Accavitti
Senior Vice President of Auto Operations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Thank you, Iwamura-san.  And thanks to all of you for your time and attention here this afternoon. 
You probably know the conventional wisdom on fuel cells … that they are the technology of the future … and always will be.  We're working to change that mindset. 

Too often … talk about future timelines in 2015 and 2020 is met with skepticism … either about the technology or the commitment.  So … let me give you a word of advice today … don't confuse our candor with a lack of progress.  The advancement we are making is substantial, meaningful and very real. 

We also acknowledge that the hydrogen refueling infrastructure needs to expand dramatically … both here in California … and across this nation.  That's why we were pleased when Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a provision to kick-start an expanded network for refueling.

This also is why Honda is an enthusiastic participant in a federal program, H2USA. This new public-private partnership is working to promote the continued development of a hydrogen refueling infrastructure.  It's a collaborative effort that will begin generating a national network of hydrogen fueling stations.  This will take time … but it will come. 

In the meantime, the mass production fuel cell electric vehicle under development in our engineering labs will be our next significant step forward in this process.  So, what you see here on stage is more than a concept car …  this Honda FCEV Concept is a commitment to the future of mobility.  And we're excited to debut it here at the LA Show!

[PAUSE]

Now … shifting gears … I want to talk about another innovative Honda vehicle ... that's coming to market in just a few weeks … and that's the 2014 Honda Civic. 

Based in part on significant enhancements we made to Civic for 2013 … this year is shaping up to be a banner year for the Honda brand.  We are closing in on our goal to achieve number-one retail sales for our four highest volume models … Civic, Accord, CR-V and Odyssey … and maybe our best sales year ever!

Civic has been a leading vehicle for Honda, not only in sales volume, but also in the areas of safety and the environment.  The 2013 Civic was the first compact sedan to achieve the IIHS Top Safety Pick-Plus rating … and it is the only car on the market offered with gasoline, hybrid and natural gas powertrains.

We are further strengthening the Civic value equation for 2014.  We shared some of the change points at the SEMA show two weeks ago … including significant styling changes to the Coupe and Coupe Si models, larger wheels and tires, retuned suspensions and increased horsepower and torque … courtesy of retuned exhaust systems. But that's just half the story.

On top of all the feature-content we added for 2013, including a standard rearview camera, Bluetooth, Pandora, and USB connectivity … we're raising the ante again with the debut of our new Display Audio system.

This is a major leap forward in connected-car technology.  With its new 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, our Display Audio system will let customers swipe, tap, and pinch their way through a multitude of audio and navigation functions. This Display Audio system also has additional connectivity that we will reveal in the coming weeks.

But … there's more. The 2014 EX and EX-L model Civics will get keyless entry and push-button start.  And the Honda exclusive LaneWatch blind spot display system that debuted last fall on Accord, now further advances Civic's list of key safety and driver assistive technologies.

There's also a change to the powertrain.  All gasoline-powered Civics equipped with automatic transmissions will get an all-new continuously variable transmission.  As you know, we launched the ninth-generation Accord last fall with a new, sporty CVT … and the reception from our customers has been nothing short of terrific.

Now, the Civic adopts a similar sporty CVT for both improved performance and fuel efficiency.  Fuel economy for the 1.8-liter Sedan and Coupe is up by two mpg City and one Combined.

All-in-all … for the third straight year … we're bringing to market an even better Civic.   That's great news for our customers that reflects our determination to create something new … and then immediately set about to make it better. 

Finally, the Civic Natural Gas also gets significant upgrades for 2014 … a vehicle that remains the only dedicated CNG passenger car mass-produced by an automaker in America.  And a new leather equipped trim will give those single occupant carpool commuters yet another reason to love the Civic Natural Gas.  As a reminder, only two years ago this vehicle was named the 2012 Green Car of the Year … right here at the LA Auto Show.

And that's a pretty good place for us to end.  Because Accord Hybrid is a finalist for the 2014 Green Car of the Year.  And with any luck, we'll get to see you again bright and early tomorrow morning!

Now, I'd like to invite Mr. Iwamura back to the stage for a quick photo … and then please join us for a closer look at the Honda FCEV Concept and the 2014 Civic lineup.

Thank you!

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-2013-los-angeles-auto-show-executive-remarks

Watch the Honda FCEV Concept debut at the LA Auto Show

Honda FCEV Concept Makes World Debut at Los Angeles International Auto Show

11/20/2013 - LOS ANGELES, Calif.

The sleekly styled Honda FCEV Concept, made its world debut today at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The concept expresses a potential styling direction for Honda's next-generation fuel-cell vehicle anticipated to launch in the U.S. and Japan in 2015, followed by Europe.

Showcasing exciting and modern styling, the Honda FCEV Concept features sweeping character lines underscored by an ultra-aerodynamic body. The Honda FCEV Concept also delivers ample passenger space and seating for 5-passengers thanks to new powertrain packaging efficiencies.

"The Honda FCEV Concept hints at Honda's future direction for fuel-cell vehicles," said Tetsuo Iwamura, president and CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "While this car is a concept, it points toward a very real future."

Next Generation Honda Fuel Cell-Electric Vehicle
Honda's next generation fuel cell-electric vehicle launching in 2015 will feature the world's first application of a fuel-cell powertrain packaged completely in the engine room of the vehicle, allowing for efficiencies in cabin space as well as flexibility in the potential application of FC technology to multiple vehicle types in the future.

Significant technological advancements to the fuel-cell stack have yielded more than 100kW of power output. The power density is now 3kW/L, an increase of 60 percent, with the stack size reduced 33-percent compared to the FCX Clarity. The next generation Honda FCEV is anticipated to deliver a driving range of more than 300 miles with a quick refueling time of about three minutes at a pressure of 70 MPa.

"The Honda FCEV Concept not only sets our direction for our next generation fuel-cell vehicle in 2015, but for future improvements in electric drive technology," said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co. "The advancements we are making are substantial, meaningful and very real."

Honda Fuel-Cell Leadership
Honda has led the industry for nearly two decades in the development and deployment of fuel-cell technology through extensive real world testing, including the first government fleet deployment and retail customer leasing program. Honda has made significant technological advancements in fuel-cell operation in both hot and sub-freezing weather, meeting stringent emissions requirements and safety regulations since the introduction of its first generation fuel-cell vehicle, the FCX in 2002.

Honda began leasing its first-generation FCEV, the Honda FCX, in 2002 and has deployed vehicles in the U.S. and Japan, including its successor, the FCX Clarity, which was named the 2009 World Green Car. Honda has delivered these vehicles to individual retail consumers in the U.S. and collected valuable data concerning real-world use of fuel cell-electric vehicles and hydrogen stations.

Honda's current fuel cell-electric vehicle, the FCX Clarity, launched in July 2008 and was quickly heralded as a technological breakthrough in the areas of design, packaging and efficiency. As the world's first dedicated fuel-cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity features a striking silhouette and a low-slung cabin. With the V-flow fuel cell stack positioned down the center of the vehicle and the electric motor located in the front of the vehicle, Honda was able to maintain the Clarity's futuristic styling while delivering 240 miles of driving range.

In the effort to speed the advance of a refueling infrastructure, in May 2013, American Honda joined the public-private partnership H2USA, which brings together  automakers, government agencies, hydrogen suppliers, and the hydrogen and fuel-cell industries to coordinate research and identify cost-effective solutions to deploy infrastructure that can deliver affordable, clean hydrogen fuel in the United States.

In July 2013, Honda entered into a long-term collaborative agreement with General Motors to co-develop the next-generation of fuel-cell systems and hydrogen storage technologies, aiming for the 2020 timeframe. The collaboration expects to succeed by sharing technological expertise, economies of scale and common sourcing strategies.


Honda Fuel Cell-Electric Vehicle Firsts:
The original FCX became the first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel-cell vehicle in July 2002. The FCX also was the world's first production fuel-cell vehicle, introduced to the U.S. and Japan in December 2002.
Additional highlights include:

• The Honda FCX was the first fuel-cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003).
• The FCX was the first fuel cell vehicle leased to an individual customer (July 2005).
• Honda was the first manufacturer to build and produce a dedicated fuel cell vehicle on a production line specifically made for fuel-cell vehicles (2008).
• Honda was the first manufacturer to create a fuel-cell vehicle dealer network (2008).

Honda Environmental Leadership
Honda is committed to further advancements in environmental technologies and the effort to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions from its products, including the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid and Plug-In, the Fit EV, Civic Natural Gas and the Honda FCX Clarity fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV). Honda also has led the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) rankings of overall vehicle environmental performance since 2000, and a Honda vehicle has topped the list of America's greenest vehicles from the America Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) for 15 consecutive years.
Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-fcev-concept-makes-world-debut-at-los-angeles-international-auto-show/photos/2013-los-angeles-auto-show-5

2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD: The Most Powerful and Technologically Advanced Vehicle in Acura History to be Showcased at LA Auto Show

11/18/2013 - TORRANCE, Calif.

The 377-horsepower Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD luxury-performance sedan will be on public display for the first time this week at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, showcasing Acura's dynamic new three-motor hybrid system.

The 2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, which launches next spring, is the first vehicle to deploy Acura's new three-motor hybrid powertrain technology. The system combines a highly efficient, direct-injected V-6 engine with an all-new, Acura-designed, 7-speed dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor and an electrically powered variant of Acura's highly regarded torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).

This advanced new hybrid powertrain delivers exhilarating driving performance with incredibly responsive power delivery and precise, sure-footed handling performance like no other vehicle in its class. Supported by the instantaneous torque delivered by its high-output electric motors, the RLX Sport Hybrid runs a 0-60 mph time comparable with competitor's V8-powered machines. This performance, however, is coupled with a 28/32/30mpg (city/highway/combined) EPA fuel economy rating¹, which is in the range of 4-cylinder-powered luxury sedans.

Powertrain and Drivetrain
The RLX Sport Hybrid's 3.5-liter, 310-horsepower, i-VTEC® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) includes an idle-stop feature to help maximize fuel efficiency. The engine is mated to an all-new, 7-speed dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor. In automatic mode, the transmission provides highly responsive and intuitive gear selection, including matching engine revs during downshifts, in manual mode, the Sequential SportShift paddle shifters give the driver gear selection control to make virtually seamless ratio changes.

The electric SH-AWD system on the RLX Sport Hybrid eliminates the conventional drive shaft and rear differential, replacing them with two high-output 27-kilowatt electric motors. The rear motors dynamically distribute both positive (drive) and negative (regenerative braking) electric-motor torque, depending on driving conditions, and which torque vectoring assists in cornering. The system is further aided by a 35-kilowatt front electric motor that supplements engine torque to the front wheels and provides regenerative brake torque to charge the vehicle's 260-volt lithium-ion battery pack.

Body and Chassis
With a longer wheelbase and wider greenhouse than competing mid-luxury sedans, the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD delivers full-size interior space in a nimbler, mid-size luxury sedan package. The RLX boasts the longest rear-seat legroom (38.8 inches), and best front (59.6 inches) and rear (57.0 inches) shoulder room in the mid-luxury class. The RLX advanced body design makes extensive use of high-strength steel and aluminum, further aiding its outstanding fuel efficiency, straight-line performance and superior handling agility.
In front, the RLX's double-wishbone, lower double-joint front suspension with Amplitude Reactive Dampers significantly improves handling agility, driver confidence and security, and ride sophistication. In back, the RLX's multi-link rear suspension is optimized for a flat ride during cornering, confident turning capability, and a smooth ride in a variety of urban, highway and open road scenarios.

Technology
Acura technology firsts on the 2014 Sport Hybrid also include the Acura electronic gear selector and Acura Head-Up Display System. The Acura electronic gear selector replaces the conventional, center console-mounted shift lever with an efficiently packaged push-button array that allows the driver to easily select the desired drive mode—Park, Drive and Reverse, as well as Sport and Normal driving modes. The Acura Head-Up Display System provides the driver with at-a-glance access to key driving information projected on the windshield. Display modes include Sport Hybrid system operation, turn-by-turn navigation, speedometer and compass, as well as alerts from various driver-assistive systems.

The RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD features Acura's signature Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, which offer outstanding light distribution and excellent down-the-road illumination performance and light characteristics. The RLX taillights utilize periphery LED illumination that is both effective and highly distinctive.

With the expanded range of standard and available technology features built into the RLX, substantial engineering effort was put into making each feature intuitive and easy-to-use. The focal point of the new instrument panel is a large, 8-inch color screen that combines audio/information and navigation functions and provides access to an array of customizable features. An additional 7-inch color On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD) touchscreen is positioned within easy reach and controls the audio system and many other features.

Audio and Connectivity
Exceptional audio performance has long been an Acura hallmark, and in the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, two audio systems are offered. The Technology package includes the Acura/ELS Studio® Premium Audio System with an advanced 14-speaker array. In the Advance package, the 14-speaker Krell system — with speakers and amplifiers engineered by Krell, one of the most respected audio companies in world — sets a new benchmark in automotive audio performance.

The RLX is equipped with the next-generation AcuraLink® cloud-based connected car system, delivering a comprehensive array of media, convenience, and security services via embedded two-way communications and web-enabled devices. AcuraLink® leverages Pandora® interface for streaming audio and the Aha™ by Harman cloud-based interface to provide users with thousands of customizable cloud-based news, information and media feeds. The next-generation AcuraLink® also delivers an array of available, subscription-based, security and convenience features, such as AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ featuring freeway traffic and, for the first time, surface street traffic information.

Safety and Driver-Assistive Technologies
The new RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD offers an extensive array of advanced safety, visibility and driver-assistive technologies that put the RLX on the leading edge of collision avoidance and assisted driving capability. Standard and features include a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), along with Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Blind Spot Information (BSI) system.

Utilizing Acura's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, along with seven airbags (including a driver's knee airbag), the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is anticipated to earn top-level safety ratings, including a 5-star NCAP Overall Vehicle Score and an IIHS "TOP SAFETY PICK+" rating, plus a GOOD rating in the IIHS small overlap front collision test.

Source;
http://hondanews.com/channels/acura-automobiles-rlx/releases/2014-acura-rlx-sport-hybrid-sh-awd-the-most-powerful-and-technologically-advanced-vehicle-in-acura-history-to-be-showcased-at-la-auto-show

Honda S660 concept stars at the Tokyo Motor Show 2013

by 

Just in case you were wondering how serious Honda is being with the new S660, its development is being run in parallel with the forthcoming Honda NSX supercar – the two of them parked up side by side on the Tokyo show stand. This is actually the first time the latest NSX concept has been shown in Japan, and both cars were painted white for the occasion.

In true Beat-successor fashion, the S660 has a mid-mounted engine, promising great weight distribution and balanced handling. The styling is the best we’ve seen from Honda in ages. We want a go now. But there is potentially a bit of a downer when it comes to the performance.

Source;
http://cars.uk.msn.com/motorshows/tokyo-motor-show/honda-s660-concept-stars-at-the-tokyo-motor-show-2013-1

2013 Tokyo Auto Show; Honda Unveils the Compact Urban SUV in Production Form, called the Honda Vezel (Video)

Honda Urban SUV production model debuts at Tokyo Motor Show with VEZEL moniker

Goes on sale next month (in Japan, Spring for North America)

Honda has introduced at 2013 Tokyo Motor Show an all-new model called VEZEL which is essentially a production variant of the Urban SUV concept showcased at the beginning of the year at NAIAS.

The Honda VEZEL aims to pave the road for a new type of car that "fuses together multifaceted values at a high level." Honda says it combines the qualities of an SUV with the functionality of a minivan and the elegance of a coupe.

In Japan it will be sold with a 1.5-liter direct-injection gasoline engine and also in a hybrid version packing the same engine working together with a high-output motor and a SPORT HYBRID i-DCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive).

Further details will be released on December 19 and on the following day it is programmed to go on sale in Japan.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/113112066388/honda-urban-suv-production-model-debuts-at-tokyo-motor

PaulTan.org; Toyota Aqua Cross crossover, Air roadster and G Sports concepts to debut at 2013 Tokyo Motor Show

Toyota will be showing a trio of Aqua concepts at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show. Malaysians are already acquainted with the Toyota Aqua – it is called the Prius c in Malaysia.

This green Aqua is the Toyota Aqua Cross concept, which slaps some offroader styling bits onto the Aqua. The interior trim is black, contrasted with green stitching and piping.

The second concept is the Toyota Aqua Air, which is the Aqua with a roadster style body. Could Toyota be looking at building a small hybrid roadster like the Aqua Air?

The interior is similiar to the standard Aqua’s, except that the rear legroom appears to be smaller and there are colour coded bits that match the car’s exterior paint.

Finally, the Toyota Aqua G Sports (ahem.... Toyota G-Sport?!?....) concept straps on a bodykit, a sports suspension and adds some sporty bits to the interior.

Is Toyota looking to expand the Aqua/Prius c range? These could be concepts to gauge public acceptance before putting more work to turn them into production cars.

Source;
http://paultan.org/2013/11/15/toyota-aqua-cross-air-g-sports-concepts-debut-tokyo/

Honda N-WGN & N-WGN Custom announced for Tokyo

Honda has announced plans to introduce the N-WGN and N-WGN Custom at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The company didn't have much to say about the models but they are high-height hatchbacks that promise to be safe and comfortable.

The standard model has a boxy design that incorporates an upright front fascia, flared wheel arches and a distinctive greenhouse. The Custom, on the other hand, has an aerodynamic body kit with modified bumpers, revised side skirts and a tailgate-mounted spoiler. The model also gains a revised grille and bespoke headlights.

The cabin is relatively sparse but features a three-spoke steering wheel, silver accents and a simplistic instrument cluster. The Custom goes one step further with metallic trim, piano black accents and upgraded instrumentation.

The N-WGN will be unveiled on November 20th, so stay tuned for full details.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/113102364930/honda-n-wgn--n-wgn-custom-announced-for-tokyo

Honda crossover based on the Jazz is Tokyo-bound

The Honda S660 Concept we showed earlier won’t be making its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show alone, as Honda has also confirmed the attendance of a new Jazz-based crossover there. As Honda puts it, it will be a full production model of the Urban SUV Concept (pictured here) shown earlier this year.

Other than the confirmation, no official specifics have been released. Earlier though, Honda described the concept as a “global model combining a sporty and dynamic SUV profile with a spacious, functional interior.” Petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains have been suggested.

To be built on the latest third-generation Jazz/Fit, the new Honda crossover will embrace the fast-growing on-road-biased mini-SUV brigade that currently includes the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, Chevrolet Trax, Ford EcoSport and Peugeot 2008.

We already know that the last two, built on the Fiesta and 208 compact hatchbacks respectively, will arrive on our shores soon. Fancy a baby CR-V, anyone?

Source;
http://paultan.org/2013/10/23/honda-crossover-based-jazz-tokyo-bound/

Honda Previews New Convertible Sportscar Concept S660

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran of www.motorauthority.com  

Talk of successors to Honda sports car like the S2000 and CRX date back several years and has been encouraged by the occasional concept reveal by the Japanese automaker. However, in a speech last year addressing his company’s future plans, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito finally confirmed development of a new convertible sports car, which is to be launched on the Japanese market in late 2014.

Now, just a few weeks out from the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda has revealed a new concept that will be gracing its stands, previewing the upcoming sports car. The new concept is called the S660 and it's clearly been influenced by the styling of 2011’s EV-STER.

However, while the EV-STER featured an electric drivetrain, the S660 comes with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine displacing just 660 cubic centimeters. The tiny engine is mated to a CVT and drive is sent to the rear wheels. Peak output rates at just 64 horsepower. This may sound somewhat feeble, but the S660 is said to tip the scales at less than 2,000 pounds.

The interior also features a new type of design for Honda. Lightweight carbon fiber is used extensively and is joined by a number of digital displays.

If the eventual production version is offered in the U.S.--and that’s a big if, given Honda’s reluctance of late to launch any credible sports cars here--expect it to come with a more powerful engine and a retractable roof.

Also at the Tokyo Motor Show, press days for which commence November 20, Honda will show off its Acura NSX concept and a UNI-CUB personal mobility device. Follow our complete coverage of the event via our dedicated hub.

Source;
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1087883_honda-previews-new-convertible-sports-car-with-s660-concept